IoT refers to the Internet of Medical Things. It involves the use of connected medical devices and sensors for the collection and transmission of health data, which is used for better patient care. It is reshaping healthcare from a dependent to a farseeing, assertive system. Major uses of IoT include Remote Patient Monitoring using wearable medical devices for real-time health surveillance, linked health center medical devices for better care and proficiency, and also smart robots for minimally invasive surgeries.
Effect of IoT in healthcare
IoT impacts the healthcare industry in a significantly transformative way. It facilitates Remote Patient Monitoring, assists with telemedicine, rationalizes hospital tactics, and provides data for improved diagnostics and customized treatments. It has the capability of saving lives through improved technology.
Understanding telemedicine
Telemedicine refers to the use of long-distance transmission of information technology for providing medical services remotely. It involves E-prescriptions, Remote Patient Monitoring, and even video consultations. Telemedicine allows patients living in remote areas to receive medical care at home and to have enhanced accessibility. It also has an extensive set of uses, from routine follow-ups to counseling and psychiatric therapies.
Types of telemedicine
Telemedicine types include Remote Patient Monitoring, real-time, asynchronous, and mHealth. Remote Patient Monitoring follows health data remotely, real-time involves audio-video consultations, asynchronous uses the medical data which is already stored, like images or texts, which are forwarded to a provider for review, whereas mHealth brings into play the mobile devices and applications for the communication and management of health.
Merits of telemedicine
Telemedicine offers various benefits to both the patients and the healthcare providers. For patients, it is advantageous in ways such as:
- Convenient virtual visits,
- Reduction in expenses,
- Remote Patient Monitoring for the management of a chronic disease.
- Improved accessibility,
- Telepsychiatry and virtual psychiatric counseling help in reducing stigma,
- Increased confidentiality.
For the healthcare providers, the benefits are:
- Extensive reach,
- Merged expertise,
- Remote monitoring devices,
- Increased effectiveness,
- Improved collaborative care.
Telemedicine reduces the risk of transmission, providing flexible care and thereby improving the effectiveness of care during a crisis.
Challenges
Though there are ample benefits of telemedicine, there are various challenges that need solutions. These challenges are:
- Technical issues,
- No awareness about available telehealth solutions,
- Absence of access to technology,
- Diagnosis of certain diseases is not possible via telemedicine.
- Privacy breach,
- Reimbursement challenges.
Remote patient monitoring
RPM involves the use of electronic devices to allow the health professionals to monitor the medical data of the patient, such as glucose and oxygen levels, blood pressure, from somewhere other than a clinic, such as home. RPM facilitates real-time sharing of the data, helping to manage chronic diseases, thereby improving the involvement of the patient.
Upcoming era of IoT in healthcare
The future IoT includes extensive fusion of linked devices for real-time, Remote Patient Monitoring and management, empowered by AI and 5G. Major developments include:
- Prognostic diagnostics,
- AI-supported remote surgeries,
- Elevated patient experience, etc.
Cutting-edge technologies in IoT healthcare
The advanced technology in IoT healthcare includes:
- AI-powered Remote Patient Monitoring,
- Implantable sensors,
- 5G network, etc.
Conclusion
Softlogic Australia is a reliable name in IoT development for healthcare, specifically in telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring. Having a proven track record in this field and proficiency in the groundbreaking technologies, we bring your ideas to life. Contact Softlogics Australia to explore improved healthcare through IoT solutions. Our expert team of developers will prove to be the right choice for you.
